A mostly 100% sort-of-semi-technical blog by Thin Guy. Mostly.

Monday Apr 25, 2011

A great new chapter in the story about how my daughter Bellamy is helping other families affected by Autism through her art work. Last year her painting went quickly during a silent auction to Mötley Crüe's front man Vince Neil at the annual Autism's Angels Gala put on by F.E.A.T. This year Bellamy's painting was to go during the live auction. We were extremely excited for this, and unlike last year, we actually were lucky enough have been graciously donated tickets to this years event. We even got to ride in a stretch Hummer limo. Less than an hour before, I was coaching FC Lucky Charms for their 4:30 PM game that occurred in 90F temps. Needless to say I was a bit rushed, and I don't think I stopped sweating until about midnight. But that didn't stop my Charm from running out to give Mommy and Daddy a hug. :)

Once we got to the benefit and the artwork was taken backstage for the live auction, something very cool happened. The very same Patron of the Arts, Vince Neil, was also in attendance and while wandering around, he saw Bellamy's painting back stage. He told the F.E.A.T. people that the painting would "match nicely with the one he bought last year", and he wanted to know "what it would take" for her painting not to go on auction and allow him to purchase it.

The folks at F.E.A.T. told him to make them an interesting offer. A bit later in the evening, but before the live auction started, the F.E.A.T. Fund-raising Chairperson stopped by our table and told us that Bellamy's painting would not be on live auction because
Vince made her an offer she couldn't refuse. Honestly we were a bit disappointed that her painting wouldn't be auctioned live, but we were definitely excited to find out what this "offer" was.

On with the live auction. First item up for bid was from Vince Neil, a guitar that would be signed by all of Mötley Crüe, and included 5 backstage passes to an upcoming concert at the Red Rock Casino and Resort. That package sold for $3k.

Turns out
in order to ensure Vince would be the owner of Bellamy's second
masterpiece, and her entire collection (except for two exclusive pieces for
family members), he offered up an identical package and then some. Right after the first Guitar
sold, he got up on stage and announced the new package + matching donation. Unlike the first auction, Vince did the auctioning himself. He stipulated the
bidding would have to start at $5k and if someone bought the second package
for $5k, he would make a $5k donation. As you can imagine, the generated both applause and excitement, and the
second package quickly sold for $7,500. It turned out that part of the "deal" also included that he would also match the what the first guitar sold for. To top it off, Vince Neil also paid $500 for Bellamy's painting, which was twice the amount that bought her first painting for.

All told, Bellamy's painting + Vince Neil's generosity help raise over $16,000 for families affected by Autism in Southern Nevada. Oh, and we got a picture this year with Bella's Patron. ;)